MN Landscape Arboretum

If you love plants/trees/flowers and haven’t been to the MN Landscape Arboretum, what’s been stopping you?! The arboretum is run by the University of Minnesota and has over 1000 acres of natural areas and gardens. What’s also cool is all of the plants are labeled so you can sound like a smarty pants to all your friends or make notes to plant them in your own garden! Along with the gardens, there is also a 3 mile drive where you can wind your way through all of the tree and shrub collections from the comfort of your car. You can also get your steps in for the day and walk the whole route too.

I was there this spring which is when I took all these photos. Sorry to let you down friends, but they aren’t able to grow tulips all year long. I also just went last weekend during their art crawl and the place was just as beautiful in the summer. So many of the flowers that weren’t in bloom yet in the spring (think hundreds of roses) were in full bloom and just gorgeous. Keep your eyes peeled for a post about this place again because I’m sure the fall colors are going to be awesome and you know I love me some fall foliage.

Ready to gawk at some pictures of pretty flowers? I thought so! 🙂

They have a really cool hot house with all of these cacti and succulents.

Head over to the “home demonstration area” to find ideas for your own garden and this pretty little grassy area.

There is also a fern walk which was nice and cool on a hot day.

The pictures below are of the Japanese garden complete with waterfalls and coy pond!

If you happen to be here in the spring, make sure to cross the main road to the little hill. It is just COVERED in lilacs and smells so amazing.

Right by the visitor’s center entrance there were these gorgeous trees covered in purple flowers. I don’t remember what they were but I think I need to make a note of them for when I get my own place.

I apologize for the gratuitous tulip pics but they were all so pretty and unique! Now, get your butt over the arboretum and explore!

Tell me more, tell me more!

Hours: The grounds are open from 8 am-8pm but the visitor’s center closes at 6.

Cost: Adults (13+) are $12 and kids are free.

Location: 3675 Arboretum Dr. Chaska, MN 55318

I need to know more! You can check out their website for current/future events or more information here.

*this post is not sponsored, just want to share cool things to do in the Twin Cities with you!